NCLEX-RN : General Biology

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for NCLEX-RN

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Example Questions

Example Question #101 : General Biology

The endoderm forms which of the following tissue types?

Possible Answers:

The respiratory tract, the pancreas, and the nervous system

Epithelial linings, several endocrine organs, the bladder, and the respiratory tract

The liver and pancreas, the adrenal glands, and the kidneys

The endoderm forms all of these tissue types

Correct answer:

Epithelial linings, several endocrine organs, the bladder, and the respiratory tract

Explanation:

The endoderm is the deepest (most proximal) germ layer of a developing embryo. It forms several endocrine glands including the pancreas, the thyroid, and the thymus. (the adrenal glands and kidneys, however, are derived from the mesoderm). It also forms the bladder and ureters, the respiratory tract, and the epithelial linings of the GI tract and auditory system.

The nervous system is derived from the ectoderm.

Example Question #102 : General Biology

Defects in the formation of what embryonic structure can result in spina bifida, anencephaly, or cleft lip or palate?

Possible Answers:

The cloaca

The neural tube

The bulbus cordis

The archenteron

Correct answer:

The neural tube

Explanation:

Defects in the closure of the neural tube, a rudimentary precursor to the nervous system, can result in several serious conditions. Of these the most common are spina bifida and anencephaly. Cleft lip and cleft palate are also common defects of neural tube development. Defects in the cloaca and archenteron would affect gastrointestinal development, while the bulbus cordis is a part of the developing cardiovascular system.

Example Question #8 : Developmental Biology

At what gestational age can the fetal heartbeat be detected?

Possible Answers:

Week 5

Week 7

Week 8

Week 10

Correct answer:

Week 7

Explanation:

The fetal heartbeat is generally first detected at 7 weeks. This can be monitored by ultrasound and auscultated. Fetal heartbeat is an important aspect of assuring fetal health through pregnancy.

Example Question #9 : Developmental Biology

The formation of the yolk sac happens at what week of embryonic development?

Possible Answers:

Week 4

Week 3

Week 1

Week 2

Correct answer:

Week 4

Explanation:

The yolk sac is a membranous sac that provides nutrients to a developing embryo. It is generally visible via ultrasound by the 4th week of gestation.

Example Question #7 : Developmental Biology

Which of the following is not one of the three basic germ layers formed during embryonic development?

Possible Answers:

Trophoderm

Ectoderm

Mesoderm

Endoderm

Correct answer:

Trophoderm

Explanation:

The three germ layers formed during embryonic development are the endoderm, the mesoderm, and the ectoderm. The trophoderm is not a germ layer; it is the membrane that forms the wall of the blastocyst in early embryonic development.

Example Question #101 : General Biology

Which of the following tissue types is derived from the ectoderm?

Possible Answers:

Skin, hair, and nails

Teeth

All of these are correct

Nervous tissue

Correct answer:

All of these are correct

Explanation:

The ectoderm is the outer-most germ layer of a developing fetus. It forms the nervous system, teeth, skin, hair, nails, sweat glands, mouth, and anus.

Example Question #411 : Nclex

Which of the following tissue types is not derived from the mesoderm?

Possible Answers:

Thyroid

Red blood cells

Pericardium

Muscle cells

Correct answer:

Thyroid

Explanation:

The mesoderm forms skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, smooth muscle, connective tissue, the pericardium (in addition to several other membranous sacs such as the peritoneum) and red blood cells. It also gives rise to cartilage and bone, the dura mater, the kidneys, and the adrenal glands.

The thyroid is derived from the endoderm. 

Example Question #102 : General Biology

Which of the following medications is known to have teratogenic effects?

Possible Answers:

Isotretinoin

Warfarin

All of these

ACE inhibitors

Correct answer:

All of these

Explanation:

Multiple forms and classes of medication have been shown to cause birth defects. These include ACE inhibitors, anti-epileptics such as phenytoin and valproic acid, isotretinoin and other forms of high-dose vitamin A, and blood thinners such as warfarin, among others.

Example Question #102 : General Biology

Fertilization generally occurs in what location?

Possible Answers:

In the fundus of the uterus

In the body of the uterus

The distal two-thirds of the fallopian tube

In the fimbrae

Correct answer:

The distal two-thirds of the fallopian tube

Explanation:

Fertilization happens in the fallopian tube, most frequently in the distal two-thirds of the tube. 

Example Question #412 : Nclex

__________ is the fetal structure that allows approximately 20-30% of blood to bypass the liver and flow from the umbilical vein to the vena cava.

Possible Answers:

The ductus arteriosus

The ductus venosus

The umbilical vein

The foramen ovale

Correct answer:

The ductus venosus

Explanation:

The ductus venosus is a small shunt that allows a portion of fetal blood to bypass the liver and flow from the umbilical vein to the vena cava. This allows more oxygenated blood to be available for the developing fetal brain.

The ductus arteriosus and foramen ovale are both fetal cardiac shunts.

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